Annapolis Opera’s production of La Traviata is a passionate, colorful adaptation of Verdi’s classic tale. Directed by Eve Summer and conducted by Craig Kier, it is a beautiful way to end the season.
Ethel Trujillo captivates the stage as the dying courtesan Violetta. Debating whether to accept Alfredo’s (Lawrence Barasa) love or continue on her life of pleasure, she drinks from a champagne bottle and lies on the floor next to a plate of food. Accepting Giorgio’s (Gustavo Ahualli) argument, she weeps while contemplating what she must do. She fills her three famous arias with passion; the third, as she recognizes her coming death, is mournful. She brings a deep tragedy to her death scene.
Lawrence Barasa plays Alfredo burning with desire. He sings of his love for Violetta, calling it the “heartbeat of the universe.” He kneels before her, holding her hand. They embrace longingly. Encountering her again after she has left him, he sings of her coldly before announcing to guests what she had done. Later, he crawls into Violetta’s bed with her, singing of her getting better and moving out of Paris together.
Gustavo Ahualli brings a grave seriousness to Giorgio, Alfredo’s father. Relating his daughter’s predicament to Violetta if Alfredo stays with her, he urges her to leave. He feels somewhat imperial at the start, used to being obeyed. He tries to comfort Alfredo with the pleasures of his home and the joy of returning home. Later, he laments forcing Violetta to choose, his voice filled with regret.
Patricia Hengen plays Annina, Violetta’s maid, with quiet loyalty. She says little to Alfredo as he questions her about Violetta selling her furniture to support him. In Violetta’s final sickness, she sleeps in the chair near her bed, grabbing water for her.
Joanne Evans plays Violetta’s friend Flora with great sensuality, flirting with guests and teasing the Marchese (Anthony D. Anderson) with perhaps being unfaithful. Anthony D. Anderson plays the Marchese d’Obigny with great happiness, comically asking the fortunetellers to stop when they say he might not be faithful. John Tibbets brings an anger to Barone Douphol, a scowl etched on his face as he stares at Alfredo suspiciously when he leaves Violetta’s room. He forbids Violetta from speaking to Alfredo after she has left him, and hurls down his cards while gambling with his rival.
Patrick Kilbride brings a joy to Gastone. The chief singer in the matador scene, he gleefully marches along the stage singing of his bravery and love. Andrew Adelsberger plays Doctor Grenvil with great attentiveness, at the opera’s beginning asking Violetta if she is okay to host the party. At the end he tells her she will recover soon, whispering to Annina that she has only hours left.
Props Run Crew Liliana Cudley fills the stage with period-looking chairs, tables, and sofas. Wardrobe Supervisor Sharlene Clinton and Wig/Make-up Designer Priscilla Bruce recreate the era with long dresses for the women and vests, jackets, ties, and top hats for the men. Violetta begins in a dress with bare shoulders, before changing to a colorful skirt, and ending in a nightgown. The outfits for the fortunetelling and matador sequences pop with color. Lighting Designer Chris Brusberg enhances the changing emotional atmosphere with different lights. In Act Two’s country house, the backdrop is lit with orange, while blue light bathes the stage in Violetta’s final scene.
Craig Kier conducts the Annapolis Symphony Orchestra with great lead, letting the music flow without it overpowering the singing. Director Eve Summer creates lots of movement among the performers, having them flow back and forth on stage. The matador scene is especially clever in its symbolic “goring” of bulls. Music, singing, and acting come together for a moving story of love and sacrifice. Only one performance remains, so be sure to catch it.
Running Time: Two hours and 45 minutes, including two 15-minute intermissions.
La Traviata plays on Sunday, March 16, 2025, at 3 PM presented by Annapolis Opera performing in Maryland Hall, 801 Chase Street, Annapolis, MD. For tickets ($28–$100), call the box office at 410-267-0087 or purchase online.
A virtual program is available here.
